The Eldorado National Forest is over 500,000 acres of beautifully wooded area in eastern California between Placerville and Lake Tahoe. The elevations vary from 1,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level, so the average temperatures are varied as well. In elevations above 6,000 feet, you can find a snowpack from 5 to 10 feet between December and May. This park has mountains, streams, lakes, and plenty of other areas to explore.
Camping in Eldorado National Forest
There are plenty of beautiful areas to camp while you explore this vast forest. Making the trip in an RV means that you can stop whenever you like to spend the night or have a meal. It complements your flexible vacation schedule. If you do not own an RV, it is easy and convenient to find exactly what you need through RVshare.com.
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West Point Campground
The West Point Campground is in Pollock Pines on the shore of the Union Valley Reservoir. This is an intimate little park with only eight sites, which come with a picnic table and fire pit. The park is right next to the boat dock, so you can go boating or fishing. Enjoy spotting wildlife like bears, squirrels, and a wide variety of birds.
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Big Meadows Campground
The Big Meadows Campground is a beautiful spot with plenty of trees, grasses, scrubs, and, most of all, peace and quiet. This is a large park with 54 sites that come with picnic tables, fire pits, and a food storage box to keep your supplies away from bears. It is close to Hell Hole Reservoir, so you can enjoy swimming, fishing, or boating. The camp has toilets and potable water available. There is also a camp host on-site and firewood for sale.
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Loon Lake Campground
Loon Lake Campground is the perfect spot if you enjoy fishing. It is accessible to the boat ramp, so you can easily get on the water. Sites come with a picnic table and fire pit with drinkable water and restrooms available. The campground is good sized with 65 sites that can get busy during the summer months. There are plenty of trails nearby for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
Activities in Eldorado National Forest
During the summer months, this park is a great place for swimming, boating, windsurfing, hiking, and picnicking. In the winter, you can enjoy sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. There are many ways to enjoy and explore the area, and you will want to bring a camera to capture every moment. The darkness of the forest creates ideal conditions for stargazing, and those who like to explore the wilderness with a purpose in mind will enjoy searching for the geocaches hidden in the Eldorado National Forest.
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
Eldorado National Forest is a lovely area of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Enjoy hardwood trees along with conifers, scrubs, and native grasses. There is a huge variety of vegetation at different elevation levels from interior chaparral to oak woodlands. You may also spot a variety of animals. If you enjoy fishing, there are over 600 miles of fishable streams and close to 300 lakes. If you enjoy rock climbing, there is a 600-foot vertical granite wall at Lovers Leap.
How to get to Eldorado National Forest
Address: 100 Forni Road, Placerville CA
Fee: Entry fee (per vehicle, per day) $5.0
Visiting the Eldorado National Forest is an excellent way to experience all the Sierra Nevada mountains have to offer. The varying elevations mean plenty of different environments to explore depending on what area you visit and the time of year. You will delight in the hiking opportunities with breathtaking views, fishing in lakes and streams, and camping in the heart of nature’s beauty. Traveling by RV means that you can enjoy the forest on your own schedule, not worried about reservations or finding a place to eat. You can focus on enjoying the serenity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eldorado National Forest
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Eldorado National Forest?
Yes, there are lakes and places to kayak and canoe within Eldorado National Forest. There are also places to go rafting and several companies will take rafters down the rapids in the area.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Eldorado National Forest?
Yes, you need a permit to fish or hunt in Eldorado National Forest. Anyone 16 or older needs a fishing license to take any fish they catch.
What is the closest town to Eldorado National Forest?
Kyburz is the closest town to Eldorado National Forest. South Lake Tahoe is also a nearby town, and has plenty of restaurants, campgrounds, and lodgings for travelers.
What type of wildlife lives in Eldorado National Forest?
Wildlife in the Eldorado National Forest includes mountain lions, porcupines, badgers, pine martens, and wolverines. The forest is also in bear country, so you may spot a black bear while exploring the forest.
What is the best time to visit Eldorado National Forest?
The best time to visit Eldorado National Forest is in late summer or early fall. After Labor Day, the summer crowds have died down and the forest is much less crowded. However, the weather tends to still be warm so visitors can hike, bike, and more in pleasant temperatures.
